water everywhere they go these days. In fact, it has become the second most popular drink (behind soft drinks). But water lovers got a jolt recently when we heard that a new report had found that the benefits of drinking water may have been oversold. Apparently, the old suggestion to drink eight glasses a day was nothing more than a guideline, not based on scientific evidence.The list of reasons our body needs water is as plentiful as the functions in our body, so due to space limitations, here are 10 good reasons to drink more water.
1. Our blood is over 80 percent water and needs water to make healthy new blood cells.
2. Our bones are over 50 percent water and, you guessed it, need water to make healthy new bone cells.
3. Drinking more water actually helps lessen pain in our body by getting our lymphatic system moving. The lymphatic system is a network of nodes, tubes, vessels, and fluid that move waste out of our tissues. It requires water to function properly.
4. Water helps to eliminate wastes and toxins from our body through the lymphatic system, kidneys, and intestines.
5. Water lubricates your joints and helps reduce joint pain and protect against wear and tear.
6. Water regulates our metabolism so if our overweight chances are we may need more water.
7. Water balances body temperature.
8. Water helps to ensure adequate electrical functioning so your brain and nervous system function properly. Your brain and nervous system send out electrical signals to function properly. Researchers estimate that your brain gives off about the same amount of electricity as a 60 watt light bulb. So, there’s some truth to the image of a light bulb going on when someone has a good idea.
9. Water alleviates dehydration (as already mentioned that most people are chronically dehydrated).
10. Every cell and organ in our body requires adequate water to function properly.
Helpful Tips for Drinking Water and Weight Loss
Measure your water intake. Even if you think you are drinking “a lot of water,” measure your daily intake for a while. You might be surprised how much water you are actually drinking. The only way I am able to keep track of my water intake is to use a quart jar. My daily quota is two quarts, so it has been much easier for me to keep track of two quarts of water (rather than eight 8-ounce glasses, for example). As soon as you become fully hydrated and have established a daily water drinking habit, you will not need to measure your daily intake. However, it’s always a good idea to check it once in a while, especially if you notice any dehydration symptoms
Drinking before, during and after meals. To optimize nutrient absorption from food, drink 16 ounces of water 30 to 60 minutes before each meal. Avoid drinking any beverages (especially ice cold drinks) during meals. Cold drinks and sugary drinks will inhibit digestion. If anything, it is best to sip filtered water or warm herbal tea during meals. If you like coffee, try slimming green coffee in the morning for an all-natural metabolism booster. Wait at least 30 minutes after a meal to start drinking water again. Drink your remaining daily quota in between meals.
Try cold water between meals. Some studies indicates that water that is lower than body temperature will help with weight loss. According to the researchers, water that is cooled to about 70° F increases the rate at which calories are burned. The reason for this is simple: the body has to use considerable amounts of energy to warm the cold water up to body temperature. I don’t recommend icy cold water, especially during meals, because it can inhibit the digestive process.
